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Rugs 101

Question 1: What is Carpet Pile?

Carpet Pile is the thickness of the carpet that erects from the foundation to the infinite number of free ends of threads. In case of loop pile carpet, the loops are uncut. Whereas cut pile, exhibits the similar loops but cut. Cutting is done either on the loom or mechanically, after the carpet is woven.

The density from the ground structure of the cloth until the free ends of warp forms the carpet pile. The factors behind constituting the pile of a carpet are the length of the carpet threads and the kind of fiber used in weaving a carpet. In addition, it also depends on particular carpet designs. For instance, from a flat weave to a long shag pile, the lush feel of the thread is a marked difference.

The production cost of a carpet depends mostly on the amount of the carpet fiber used. Various forms of organic and synthetic fibers are practiced in the carpet industry. Natural fibers comprise of wool, silk, jute, etc. On the other hand, synthetic ones favor olefin, nylon, and polyester serving as common options for durable carpets. Due to demand, natural fiber woven carpets are more expensive than carpets made from artificial ones. However, substances such as nylon and olefin are defiant to wear and tear, help in maintaining a carpet pile which is crush-resistant.

Question 2: What is Carpet Backing?

Just as the name suggests, Carpet Backing is the flipside of a carpet. Though often overlooked, this is an extremely important part of an area rug. This side of the carpet is responsible for its structural stability, as well as providing shape and protection to the carpet it supports.

The underside material used can be either one of cotton, carpet rayon, Kraft cord, or jute. Nevertheless, if carpet backing is to be understood, then there are two layers to be known. One is done as primary backing, which gives a structural element to the carpet. It is done by a stiff material from which the fiber of the carpet is tufted or woven. It hardens the surface and protects it from mold, mildew, fungus, and moisture. The second layer is less coarse and offers an overall support and insulates it from moisture, mold or bacteria, etc., which tends to soak in through the surface of the carpet or rugs and damage.

Many manufacturers proudly use eco-friendly substances for carpet backing. It is made from waste yet recycled carpet material or natural elements.

Question 3: What is Carpet Glue?

Carpet Glue is a sticky substance which is used in carpet furnishing. It is a wise way to glue up your carpets on floors. This practice avoids slippage plus increases the life of the carpet by retaining its pile with high strength. Along with avoiding the carpet to move from its place, it’s advantageous in places like stair cases. Carpet bends, if glued on stair cases, prevent it from constant wear and tear. Apart from installation of new carpets, carpet glue is extensively used in repair work too. In carpet repairs, in case of swap damaged areas in a carpet, it provides an even look. People usually use carpet glues to perform some quick yet seamless carpet repair requirements. Nevertheless, it is very important to buy the right carpet glue to ensure longevity of your carpet’s life, especially in wet areas. Usually, adhesives for outdoor carpeting are more durable and tougher. They are less soluble to sustain varied types of floorings including concrete and wood.

It should be noted that although applying the glue is easy, removal can be difficult. However, there are three methods, which make it comparatively easier. The most effective way is to heat up the glue by a heat gun to melt it. Or, it can be freezed by dry ice. Dry ice would weaken the crystalline structure and thus chipped away. Carpet glue can also be removed by available solvents. Carpet glue can have a strong odor and the gluing process is recommended to be done only with proper ventilation and face protection.

Question 4: What is Pile Weave?

Pile Weave technique is unknowingly, a commonly found artwork in carpets and rugs for our homes and offices. It is a meticulous carpet weaving method incorporated to create a plush feel in carpets. This style involves weaving three different layers. The first layer is actually the foundation of the carpet. This foundation material acts as the binder, holding the entire product together.

The second layer is a clever blend of interknit fibers. This creates a soft, rich carpet surface. The final layer of the design is created using the visible part of the pile. This is crafted with the help of metal rods to create loops in the fiber called as tufts. The tufts would provide a raised effect which can be brushed back and forth. The tufts or yarn projecting from this layer can remain or the ends can be cut to create different effects. A large range of products use this construction – including area rugs, as well as terry cloth, corduroy and cloth produced for automobile upholstery.

Question 5: What are the various types of rug construction possible?

While Middle East countries were weaving such artfully crafted area rugs for centuries, it was not until French and English rulers began to import Moorish weavers that these beautiful and functional products grew to widespread use in the west. There are a wide variety of carpet-making techniques that have been used to created area rugs. Below are six of the most common types:

Machine Woven - With the revolutionary advent of machines, hand woven carpet was accompanied with well known yet machine made Axminster and Wilton. Carpets, such were the beauty and impeccable finish of the resulted carpet, that it was difficult to individualize the differences.

Tufted - With a pre-woven backing, tufted carpets added a new speed to the rug creation process. Needles push through the yarn and held in place with “loopers”. This is typically done by a hand tufting machine.

Velvet Pile - Loop pile carpets are always available as ‘velveteen’, which are hard bearing and smooth with an incredibly soft hand.

Handloom - Those carpets which are woven with keeping the warp and the weft as a prime focus of weaving. Such the game of warp and weft do not show a carpet pile. It is a unique style of weaving craftsmanship.